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Journalists at Hungary's most popular newspaper have shown disbelief after a media group considered aligned with PM Viktor Orbán's political faction, Fidesz, bought the popular daily from its previous Swiss owners.

Timing of Purchase

The buyout, which occurs while Hungary prepares for pivotal elections next year, is widely seen as another effort to strengthen government influence on the news outlets.

A Fidesz-friendly media group, Indamedia, declared on Friday it had bought a collection of Hungarian media assets, including Glamour magazine and Blikk, a widely-read daily newspaper whose online platform draws around three million digital visitors monthly.

Management Changes

Blikk's outgoing chief editor, Ivan Zolt Nagy, said on Monday that he and another key leader were leaving in "shared decision" with the acquiring company.

They were appointed seven months ago to restructure Blikk, "moving away from sensational stories but on interesting stories" and to be "more audience-focused, reporting on politics, economics, and cultural topics," he said on Facebook.

Employee Responses

Employees of Blikk said they were taken aback. "I came close to a heart attack when I was informed of the news," stated one reporter, who asked to stay unnamed. "For me, this is ethically questionable."

Blikk has introduced a new editor-in-chief, Baláz Kolossváry.

Press Environment Issues

Many journalists who have decided to stay say they are in a difficult position as there are not many other outlets remaining where they could seek employment.

Over the past 15 years, Orbán has been able to use a extensive government-supporting media landscape to enhance his reputation and polls.

Election Timing

While major media deals have tended to take place either following voting or during a quiet political period, the buyout of Ringier Hungary happens fewer than six months before April's general election.

Blikk was seen as a prime target for Orbán and his party at a moment when surveys are signalling that they have a genuine competitor for the premier instance in exceeding a decade.

Opposition Reaction

The rival candidate, Péter Magyar, whose Respect and Freedom party is campaigning on commitments to eliminate deep-seated corruption, has been outspoken about Orbán's "propaganda factory" and the damage he claims it has caused to Hungary's democracy.

He has criticised the Ringier Hungary transaction, stating it represents another effort by Orbán to strengthen his grip over Hungary's press organizations.

Newspaper's Significance

Though Blikk is a popular newspaper, famous for its entertainment section and sensational captions, in the recent years it has also published numerous articles on possible misconduct.

"The publication represents by far the most popular daily newspaper in Hungary, a sector dominator," said a press expert. "Its online site has become unexpectedly successful in recent years, becoming the fourth most visited online site in Hungary. If propaganda appears in such extensively consumed and mainstream outlets, it will have an influence on the general population."

Global Perspective

For exceeding a decade, Hungary has served as a example for other "semi-democratic systems" globally.

Ex-US administrators and their associates have frequently applauded Orbán's Hungary even as it falls in journalistic liberty ratings.

In 2022, Orbán addressed a gathering of US traditionalist groups that the way to governance necessitated "owning press organizations."

Past Press Regulation

In 2010, Orbán's regime enacted a legislation that imposed government control over the primary press oversight body and put the public broadcaster in the control of loyalists.

Proprietorship Details

Indamedia is partially controlled by Mikló Vaszily, a state-aligned businessman who is also chief executive of a state-aligned TV network.

In a announcement, Indamedia's additional partner and CEO, Gábor Ziegler, commented: "By obtaining of Ringier Hungary, the organization is gaining a well-performing media company of similar size to Indamedia, with strong market positions and popular products that have significant influence in the Hungarian communications sector."

Ringier said in a statement that its determination to transfer was "motivated entirely by business strategy factors and our concentration on our core digital activities in Hungary."

A official representative was sought for statement.